Windshield blackout with viewing window and blackout window feature

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a windshield blackout between a bottom of the windshield and a top of the instrument panel, a viewing window provided in the windshield blackout and a blackout window feature provided behind the viewing window.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to the motor vehicle equipment fieldand, more particularly, to a new and improved apparatus comprising awindshield blackout, a viewing window provided in the windshieldblackout and a blackout window feature provided behind the viewingwindow.

BACKGROUND

The design and architecture of some new electric vehicles causes arelatively wide disconnect between the bottom of the windshield and thetop of the instrument panel at the interior of the motor vehicle. As aresult, the windshield includes a relatively tall windshield blackout asan aesthetic element to block or conceal the view into the area abovethe cowl and below the top of the instrument panel.

Many individuals do not find such a tall or wide windshield blackoutaesthetically appealing. This document relates to a new and improvedapparatus for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the tall or wideblackout area characteristic of many new electric vehicles.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purposes and benefits described herein, a new andimproved apparatus is provided. That apparatus comprises a windshieldblackout, a viewing window provided in the windshield blackout and ablackout window feature provided behind the viewing window.

The blackout window feature may comprise a number of differentstructures. In one possible embodiment, the blackout window feature maybe an illuminated message board. In another possible embodiment, theblackout window feature may be fanned LED lighting. That fanned LEDlighting may be utilized to light the under hood area of the motorvehicle when the hood is opened so as to allow one to see the forwardstorage area under the hood in the absence of ambient lighting.

In yet another possible embodiment, the blackout window feature is aswitchable effect branding device. In still another possible embodiment,the blackout window feature is an ornamental device. That ornamentaldevice may be illuminated by a light source. In one of many possibleembodiments, the ornamental device is illuminated by a light sourcepositioned in front of and below the ornamental device but behind thewindshield blackout where the light source is hidden from view. Inanother possible embodiment, the ornamental device is back illuminatedby a light source behind the ornamental device.

In yet another possible embodiment, the blackout window feature is asolar panel. That solar panel may be used to collect solar energy tocharge the battery of the electric vehicle or provide electric power toelectrical devices on board the motor vehicle.

In still other possible embodiments, the blackout window feature is anelectronic display device. In still other possible embodiments, theviewing window comprises a laser etched image in the windshieldblackout. In such an embodiment the blackout window feature comprises alight source for backlighting the laser etched image.

The blackout window may be a ceramic film applied to the windshield.Still further, the blackout window may be a ceramic paint applied to thewindshield.

In the following description, there are shown and described severalpreferred embodiments of the apparatus. As it should be realized, theapparatus is capable of other, different embodiments and its severaldetails are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects allwithout departing from the apparatus as set forth and described in thefollowing claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should beregarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and forming a partof the specification, illustrate several aspects of the apparatus andtogether with the description serve to explain certain principlesthereof.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view illustrating a first possibleembodiment of the apparatus including a windshield blackout, a viewingwindow provided in the windshield blackout and a blackout window featureprovided behind the viewing window.

FIG. 2 is an illustration similar to FIG. 1 but showing a secondpossible embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an illustration similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 but showing a thirdpossible embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing a fourth possibleembodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 1-4 but illustrating a fifth possibleembodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a motor vehicle illustrating asixth possible embodiment of the apparatus (fanned LED lightingilluminating the storage compartment under the open hood).

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the apparatus, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 illustrating a first embodiment of theapparatus 10. As illustrated, that first embodiment includes awindshield blackout 12 that extends across the lower portion of thewindshield 14 of the motor vehicle 16. In the illustrated embodiment,the windshield blackout 12 includes a lower limit or edge 18 thatextends below the cowl 20 and an upper limit or edge 22 that extendsabove the top of the instrument panel 24.

A viewing window 26 is provided along an intermediate portion of thewindshield blackout 12 between the lower edge 18 and the upper edge 22.Here it should be appreciated that the windshield blackout 12 concealsfrom view the interior area of the motor vehicle between the cowl 20 andthe instrument panel 24 except where the viewing window 26 is located.

A blackout window feature 28 is provided behind the viewing window 26.That blackout window feature 28 may be viewed through the windshield 14at the viewing window 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the blackoutwindow feature 28 is supported in position behind the viewing window 26by support struts 29 anchored to the cowl 20.

The blackout window feature 28 may comprise a number of differentstructures. For example, in the FIG. 1 embodiment, the blackout windowfeature 28 may comprise an illuminated message board or an electronicdisplay device. Such a message board or electronic display device may beutilized for a number of different purposes. For example, theilluminated message board or electronic display device may indicate thebrand of the motor vehicle 16. In other, alternative embodiments, theilluminated message board or electronic display device may provideadvertising for the company that owns the motor vehicle. In still otherembodiments, the illuminated message board or electronic display devicemay be connected to a controller 30 of a type known in the art to allowone to enter personal messages for display on the illuminated messageboard or electronic display device. Such a controller 30 may take theform of a computing device such as a dedicated microprocessor orelectronic control unit (ECU) operating in accordance with instructionsfrom appropriate control software. Thus, the controller 30 may includeone or more processors, one or more memories and one or more networkinterfaces all in communication with each other over a communicationbus. In one possible embodiment, the controller 30 may include a voiceprocessor and thereby be responsive to voice commands.

The embodiment of the apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 2, like the firstembodiment of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, includes a windshieldblackout 12 provided on a windshield 14 and extending from below thecowl 20 to above the instrument panel 24. The windshield blackout 12includes a viewing window 26 provided between the lower edge 18 andupper edge 22 of the windshield blackout.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment of the apparatus 10, the blackout windowfeature 28 comprises an ornamental device such as a company logo or arandomly selected image or art work. The ornamental device/blackoutwindow feature 28 may be illuminated by a light source 32. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, that light source is positioned infront of and below the ornamental device 28. More specifically, in theillustrated embodiment, the light source 32 is mounted on the cowl 20and is concealed or hidden from view by the lower portion of thewindshield blackout 12.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the ornamental device/blackoutwindow feature 28 is back illuminated by the light source 34. That lightsource 34 is mounted on the cowl 20 behind the ornamentaldevice/blackout window feature 28. In such an embodiment, thebacklighting may be transmitted through the ornamental device/blackoutwindow feature 28 where openings or translucent or transparent sectionsare provided. This can create a visually stimulating and aestheticallypleasing effect that enhances the look of the motor vehicle compared toa tall or wide, uninterrupted windshield blackout without a viewingwindow 26 for the presentation of such an ornamental device.

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another possible embodiment of the apparatus 10.In the embodiment of the apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 4, the viewingwindow comprises a laser etched image 34. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 4, that laser etched image 34 is backlit by means of a blackoutwindow feature in the form of a light source 36 carried on the cowl 20.A light diffusion panel 38 may be provided between the light source 36and the laser etched image 34 in order to provide diffused lightprojecting through the laser etched image so as to provide an evenly litimage when viewed from the front, exterior to the motor vehicle. Asillustrated, the light diffusion panel 38 may be held in a bracket 40connected to the cowl 20 and the instrument panel 24.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another possible embodiment of the apparatus 10.In the FIG. 5 embodiment, the blackout window feature 28 comprises asolar panel secured behind the viewing window 26 on struts 44 connectedto the cowl 20. As should be appreciated, the solar panel 28 is providedat an inclined angle that is particularly effective in collecting solarenergy which may be used to power electrical components of the motorvehicle and/or charge one or more batteries of the motor vehicle.Advantageously, the solar panel/blackout window feature 28 may beprovided in an aesthetically pleasing manner without in any waydegrading the aesthetic appearance and smooth aerodynamic shape of themotor vehicle.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 illustrating yet another possibleembodiment of the apparatus 10. FIG. 6 illustrates the motor vehicle 16with the hood 46 open so as to access the storage space 48 at the frontof the motor vehicle. In this embodiment, the blackout window feature 28comprises fanned LED lighting in the form of an LED array adapted toilluminate the storage area 48 when the hood 46 is opened (note actionarrows). As should be appreciated, the illumination from theLEDs/blackout window feature 28 passes through the viewing window 26above the lower portion of the windshield blackout 12 into the storagecompartment 48 thereby allowing a motor vehicle operator to view objectsin the storage compartment even under low ambient light conditions suchas found at night, in a parking garage or under other circumstances.

In any of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the windshieldblackout 12 may be a ceramic film applied to the windshield 14.Similarly, in any of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, thewindshield blackout 12 may be a ceramic paint applied to the windshield14. These are just two possible approaches for providing the windshieldblackout 12 on the windshield 14 and should not be considered aslimiting in scope. It should also be noted that the drawing figures arenot to scale and that the windshield blackout 12 may actually be a verythin layer, much thinner than the thickness of the windshield 14. Thethickness of the windshield blackout 12 utilized in the drawing figuresis pronounced for purposes of illustration and should not be consideredin any way as limiting in scope.

The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, alight source for lighting the blackout window feature 28 may be providedforward of and above the feature rather than forward and below or behindthe feature as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively.

In addition, the blackout window feature 28 may comprise a switchableeffect branding device. Such a device may, for example, switch back andforth between two or more images of a running mustang or present anyother desired “action” figure or image. In fact, any form of aswitchable effect image or message may be provided as desired. Further,the controller 30 may be utilized to program the blackout window feature28 to produce any number of different visual effects includingswitchable effects for branding or other purposes. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claimswhen interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they arefairly, legally and equitably entitled.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a windshield blackout; a viewing windowprovided in said windshield blackout; an ornamental device providedbehind said viewing window; and a light source behind said ornamentaldevice to back illuminate said ornamental device.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said blackout window feature is an illuminated messageboard.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said blackout window featureis fanned LED lighting.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidblackout window feature is a switchable effect branding device. 5.(canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein saidornamental device is illuminated by a light source positioned in frontof and below said ornamental device.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein said light source is hidden from view by said windshieldblackout.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidblackout window feature is a solar panel.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said blackout window feature is an electronic display device.12. (canceled)
 13. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said blackoutwindow feature comprises a light source for backlighting said laseretched image.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said windshieldblackout is a ceramic film applied to said windshield.
 15. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said windshield blackout is a ceramic paint appliedto said windshield.
 16. An apparatus, comprising: a windshield blackout;a laser etched image provided in said windshield blackout; and ablackout window feature provided behind said viewing window.